Shoal Creek

Green sunfish (above) male with spawning colors.

This is one of my favorite spots. Park somewhere (residential streets across the creek from Lamar) and walk down under the 24th st. bridge (near the volleyball courts). Start under that bridge and work your way up stream. What you will find is mostly a dry creek BUT every now and then along that walk you will come to some nice deep holes where are all the fish have gathered. There are a TON of larger than you would think green sunfish, long ears, bluegill and a few bass.

Keep working upstream and you will find a really nice little spot that as the crow flies is right in front of St. Stevens School. While fighting a smaller sunfish I had a bass come up and flash at the sunfish. The fish must've been 15 inches but he isn't going anywhere as the creek is dry on both sides but the coming rains may change that situation.

One spot that I have scouted but not seriously fished is a small little hole along the trail that runs from the 34th bridge up to the 35th street bridge. The water looks slow and it could be one of the deeper holes in the creek but I just haven't had a chance to take a look. I imagine starting there and walking upstream with a flyrod would be a fun way to spend an afternoon. If someone takes that walk before I do...please report!

Long-ear male hit like a freight train.